Are mail in ballots different from absentee ballots
In the United States, the terms "mail-in ballot" and "absentee ballot" are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference between the two.
Absentee Ballot: An absentee ballot is a ballot that is cast by a voter who is unable to vote in person on Election Day due to a specific reason, such as:
- Being out of town on Election Day
- Having a disability that prevents them from voting in person
- Being a member of the military or a civilian living overseas
- Being a student or worker living away from their home district
To request an absentee ballot, voters typically need to provide a valid reason for their absence and may need to sign an affidavit or declaration stating their eligibility.
Mail-in Ballot: A mail-in ballot, also known as a "vote-by-mail" or "all-mail ballot," is a ballot that is automatically sent to all eligible voters in a particular jurisdiction, usually through a mail-in voting system. In this system, voters do not need to request a ballot or provide a reason for their absence. Instead, they receive a ballot in the mail and can vote at their convenience.
Key differences:
- Requesting a ballot: Absentee ballots require voters to request a ballot, while mail-in ballots are automatically sent to all eligible voters.
- Reason for absence: Absentee ballots require a valid reason for the voter's absence, while mail-in ballots do not.
- Voter eligibility: Absentee ballots are typically limited to voters who are unable to vote in person due to a specific reason, while mail-in ballots are often available to all eligible voters in a jurisdiction.
In summary, while both absentee and mail-in ballots allow voters to cast their ballots from outside the polling station, the main difference lies in the process of requesting the ballot and the eligibility criteria.